Cyprus and Greece to take joint actions ahead of Geneva conference, spokesman says
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Cyprus and Greece will assume joint actions to promote their decisions both on international and EU level, ahead of the Geneva meeting on January 9-12, Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said.
Christodoulides was speaking to the press following a three-hour long meeting between Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Athens on Friday. The meeting takes place as the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot side, who are engage in UN-sponsored talks, are about to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 9-11, followed by a conference on Cyprus in the presence of the guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and the UK) and other relevant parties if needed.
In his remarks, Christodoulides described the meeting as substantive, creative and constructive, adding “there was an absolute understanding both on issues of substance and of process.”
“Consultation will continue on all levels,” he added, noting “our common goal is through the initiatives assumed to terminate the occupation and to reunify Cyprus in a contemporary European state without foreign guarantees and occupation troops.”
Replying to questions, Christodoulides said both the Greek Prime Minister and President Anastasiades will hold contacts with the heads of the European institutions.
He added the Greek Foreign Minister Nicos Kotzias will travel to New York while his Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides will travel to the EU to promote these specific decisions taken during today`s meeting.
Responding to a question, the Cypriot spokesman said for the time being there no date has been set for a meeting between Tsipras and the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-backed talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
CNA/EM/GS/GCH 2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY